AwareNewJersey

Running Holiday Gift Suggestions

Shop at Local Small Businesses for the Holidays.

Find unique local gifts throughout New Jersey.

Help the local economy; avoid "donating" to national corporate coffers.

"For every $100 spent in locally owned independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll, and other expenditures.  If you spend that in a national chain, only $43 stays here.  Spend it online and nothing comes home." -- The 350 Project

We are so fortunate in New Jersey to have such diversity in our population, in our communities, in our local cultures.  There's so much here to choose from.  We don't have to settle for the plastic, over-abundant, un-interesting array of foreign made products on display in all the large corporate department stores.  Are you bored with seeing the same shops and the same products, mall after mall after mall?  

We'll be offering suggestions for gifts from local artists and shops, of all kinds, from all over New Jersey.  Just keep visiting this blog.

From the Pinelands Folk Music and Basketry Center in Mt. Holly, Burlington County, you can find a variety of acoustic folk instruments like hammered dulcimers, flutes and more; as well as locally handcrafted woven and gourd baskets.

Perhaps there's a special someone you'd like to give a special fragrance.  The Perfume Gift Shop/Historical Fragrances in Hawthorne, Passaic County, handcrafts artisan scents.  Their unique fragrances, for men and women, are combined with the allure of historic figures and events.

Is a gift of jewelry on your mind?  Perhaps a unique item from a local jeweler; something you won't find in a mall:  earrings, a bracelet, a necklace or something else.  Anita DiPeitro of Marlton, Burlington County, designs truly unique jewelry.  Visit her web site to find the best way for you to purchase one of her creations.

Maybe something special to ennhance a relative's home is what you're thinking of.  Designs for Tranquility, in Frenchtown, Hunterdon County, offers a variety of art, decor and more.  

A unique gourmet treat is always nice to receive for a holiday.  Why not take a look at Jams by Kim to see if there's something tasty you can share.  Kim is in Hillsborough, Somerset County but her products are available in various places throughout the state.

Events:

Crafts in the Warren Tech is the 4th Annual Juried Craft Show at the Warren County Technical School in Washington, Warren County, Saturday, December 7th.  It's a family event with over 100 crafters, door prizes, caroling and more.

11th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Extravaganza in Whippany, Morris County, is the coming Wednesday, December 4th.

We will continue to provide gift ideas and local events information until the 'Night Before Christmas'.

So keep visiting.

We appreciate comments and emails.  Thank you.

AwareNewJersey -- awarenj@rocketmail.com